Changes to IVF Treatment in Scotland

The Scottish Government announced last month that they will now be funding 3 IVF cycles on the NHS for women under 40, instead of just 2 cycles. Women aged between 40 and 42 will be offered one round of IVF if they fit certain criteria (more details below).

What is IVF?

Most of us have heard the term IVF and are aware that it’s a way to assist with getting pregnant, in those who are less fertile. IVF stands for In Vitro Fertilisation, which means that an egg is removed from a woman’s ovaries and fertilised with sperm outside the female body, in a laboratory. Once the egg is fertilised and is an embryo, it is put back into the female’s womb to grow and develop into a baby. Find out more at the NHS Choices website and the HFEA website.

What are the restrictions?

To qualify for 3 cycles of IVF treatment, you must:

Be a woman under the age of 40

Have tried to conceive for 2 years of regular unprotected intercourse or had 12 cycles of artificial insemination

If you are a woman aged 40-42 who has tried to conceive for 2 years of regular unprotected intercourse or had 12 cycles of artificial insemination, you will be offered 1 cycle of IVF treatment. However, there is criteria to be fulfilled:

You have never had IVF treatment previously

There is no evidence of low ovarian reserve

There has been a discussion about the added implications of IVF and pregnancy at this age

If you already have your prescription, you can order your IVF medication from our online dispensary.

Are you struggling to get pregnant?

If you are struggling to get pregnant, the first port of call should be to see your GP. You can book in to see our own Dr Lifson at the private Kalmed Clinic, he can advise the best way to increase your chances of becoming pregnant and if you should be referred to a specialist.

There are also support groups that can help you if you are experiencing infertility: